Live music review: Desert Noises rocked Stubb's BBQ after return to Austin

Desert Noises at Stubb's BBQ

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Last Friday Utah buzz band Desert Noises returned to Austin in support of their latest album, "27 Ways" at Stubb's BBQ. The foursome played an official showcase and several more appearances during SXSW in March. After we caught them at the Do512 Lounge playing their fusion of psych-rock, blues, folk and alt-country we were hooked. Friday's performance cemented our love for this young, talented act.

The downstairs area inside Stubb's held a fair amount of fans there to watch the band who have been touring non-stop since the beginning of the year. A set highlight was a version of "Angels" from the new record that included an extended jam that featured impressive guitar licks from Patrick Boyer. Vocalist Kyle Henderson provided more theatrics, playing his own six-string behind his head while the group finished the set.

Brennan Allen (drums) and Tyler Osmond (bass) held down the rhythm section equally well. A Desert Noises show usually includes a solo by Allen and Friday's show was no exception. Osmond (yes, he is related to those Osmonds) lays down the bass line with precision. It is clear after seeing the band three times in the past 90 days that these guys both write great music and have the skills to make that music stand out.

We chatted with Osmond after the show. He was amazed at how the support from their record label, SQE was driving sales of the new album. Osmond related a story in which a friend pointed out an advertisement for the record appeared on YouTube while they were watching a video.

"I didn't even know we HAD a YouTube ad," exclaimed Osmond while he grinned from ear-to-ear.

The bassist was equally excited about their upcoming summer festival gigs at Hangout Fest and Bonnaroo. The band has already played Austin City Limits Festival once. The direction these guys are headed, next time they are invited to ACL Fest it will be on one of the main stages.

Desert Noises list 17 more dates on their tour schedule (including three performances at Bonnaroo) before the group heads back to Utah for a tour-ending show in Huntsville. Stream "27 Ways" on Spotify to check their latest effort. We are confident you will end up with a copy of the vinyl edition like we did.

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Greg Ackerman is a freelance writer who currently publishes in the Round Rock Leader. He has also written for the Tustin News (CA), Corner Table Online (LA) and Circle Six Magazine (USA). Greg has lived in Austin ten years and loves the endless opportunities to see great live music. Greg owns a professional conference recording/production company and is currently involved with a full-service emarketing company. Follow him at the Music Examiners page on Facebook.